Police: Father locked daughter in cage, photos made it to Facebook

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Ohio - A man was arrested Thursday after he allegedly bound and locked his daughter in a cage as a form of punishment.

Police say on Jan. 10, 41-year-old James Tapke bound his 12-year-old daughter's hands and legs with duct tape, locked her in a dog cage, and images of the incident made it to Facebook.

The incident happened at a residence in the 400 block of Waterbury Circle in Springfield Township.

The police report indicates that while the girl was in the cage, Tapke dropped small amounts of water on her face. The report states that the child was in the cage for about 20 minutes until her brother let her out, but Tapke bound his daughter again and stuck her back in the cage.

Police say Tapke then ordered his son to go to the garbage and retrieve an electrical jump pack so he could electrify the cage as another form of punishment. Police report that Tapke never actually electrified the cage, but he threatened to several times.

The girl was eventually let out and unbound by the child's grandmother. The girl's brother uploaded the pictures of the incident to Facebook, but police say they have since been removed.

The names of the children and the age of the son involved have not been released.

Tapke is charged with child endangering.

The judge scolded Tapke's actions and he was issued a $50,000 bond after appearing in court for his arraignment Friday morning.

Tapke is seen making an inappropriate gesture to a 9 News camera in the courtroom which some may find offensive in the video player above.

The incident remains under investigation.